Portable Data Storage Device Cap Connector

ABSTRACT

A device and method for attaching a protective cap to a portable data storage device is disclosed. The device includes a protective cap, a portable data storage device, two formed loops, and a strand. The formed loops are integrally connected to the cap and the portable data storage device. The strand is looped through the formed loops and permanently attaches the protective cap to the portable data storage device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device and method forsecuring a protective cap to a portable data storage device.Specifically, the device and method secure a protective cap to aportable flash drive for use with a computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When a flash drive or any portable data storage device is in use, theprotective cap is generally placed on a desk or other nearby surfaceclose by. When this occurs, it is easy for the protective cap to belost, misplaced, or forgotten. This is undesirable because the flashdrive or portable data storage device can be damaged without theprotective cap in place.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

Devices and methods used to secure protective caps to portable storagedevices are known in the prior art. For example, in U.S. Pat. No.6,991,483 issued to Milan et al., the inventors disclosed a flash memorydevice that includes a flash memory drive with a quick connector in thehousing. The flash memory storage device includes a housing wherein atone end of the housing, the end includes a loop portion. However, thedisclosure does not discuss attaching the cap of the flash memory driveto the flash drive.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,410 issued to Yu, the inventor disclosed aportable USB memory device having a housing, a memory and driver board,and a USB plug. The device also includes a flexible hinge that is usedto secure the cap to the housing of the flash drive. Although thisdevice describes attaching the cap of a portable storage device to theactual portable storage device, it does not describe a formed loop usedto attach the flash drive to its cap.

In US publication US2005/0079738 issued to Ahn, the inventor discloses aUSB storage device having a USB plug and various features related to itsoperability. It also comprises a cover unit that is fitted along a pairof slide rails on the side of the USB device such that when the devicemust be covered, the cover unit slides along the rails to envelop theexposed portion of the USB device. Again, this device does not disclosea formed loop to attach the USB plug to the protective cap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a methodand apparatus for protecting a portable data storage device with a cap.

It is a further object of the present invention to attach the portabledata storage device to its cap.

It is a further object of the present invention to prevent the cap ofthe portable data storage device from being lost or misplaced.

The description of the invention which follows, together with theaccompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the inventionto the example shown and described, because those skilled in the art towhich this invention appertains will be able to devise other formsthereof within the ambit of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention with theportable storage device connected to the portable storage device capwith a strand looped through two formed loops.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the portable storage device cap witha formed loop.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the portable storage device with theformed loop.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the portable storage device cap withthe formed loop and a strand attached to the formed loop.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the portable storage device with theformed loop and a strand attached to the formed loop.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

By way of one example of many to serve as background in understandingthe present invention, FIG. 1 shows a macroscopic view of the invention100. The portable data storage device cap connector 100 includes aportable data storage device 110, a cap 200, two formed loops 140 and210, and a strand 220. The portable data storage device further includestwo long sides 120 and two short sides 130.

In the preferred embodiment, the strand 220 is coupled to the two formedloops 140 and 210 such that the portable data storage device 110 and thecap 200 are permanently connected. The formed loops 140 and 210 arepreferably eyelets that are integrally connected to the portable datastorage device 110 and the cap 200. Preferably, the formed loop 140 onthe portable data storage device 110 is attached to one of its longsides 120, and the formed loop 210 on the cap 200 is attached to the topof the cap 200. However, in alternate embodiments, these formed loops140 and 210 can be placed on any side of the cap 200 or portable datastorage device 110. These formed loops 140 and 210 can be plastic or anyother material that could be securely attached to the outside of theportable data storage device 110.

To attach the strand 220 to the cap 200 and the portable data storagedevice 110, the first end 221 of the strand 220 is formed into a loopand threaded through the formed loop 140 on the cap 200. The second end222 of the strand 220 is then slipped through the loop on the first end221 of the strand 220. The second end 222 of the strand 220 is thenlooped in a similar way as the first end 221. The second end 222 loop isthen threaded through the formed loop 210 on the portable data storagedevice 110, and the cap 200 is then inserted through this second loop ofthe strand 220. As seen in FIG. 1, this configuration allows the cap 200and portable data storage device 110 to be permanently connected to oneanother.

In an alternate embodiment, a special adhesive dot 160 can be used toattach the strand 220 to the portable data storage device 110 instead ofan eyelet 140. The adhesive dot 160 is located on the portable datastorage device 110 as seen in FIG. 4. The adhesive dot can be used ifthere is no eyelet 140 on the portable storage device 110 or if theeyelet 140 is not large enough for the strand 220 to be looped through.

Preferably, the strand 220 is long enough so that when the portable datastorage device 110 is in use, the cap 220 is out of the way and does notinterfere with the operation of the portable data storage device 110.The strand 220 can be made of any material that is flexible, durable,and can be formed into loops.

In the preferred embodiment, the formed loop 140 on the portable datastorage device 110 is integrally connected to one of its long sides 120a distance that ensures that the cap 200 is out of the way when it isnot engaged to protect the portable data storage device 110.

While the inventive apparatus, as well as a method of permanentlyattaching a cap to a portable data storage device as described andclaimed herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable ofattaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated,it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presentlypreferred embodiment of the invention and that no limitations areintended to the detail of construction or design herein shown other thanas defined in the appended claims.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference toone or more particular preferred embodiments, persons possessingordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains willappreciate that various modifications and enhancements may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

1. A portable data storage device cap connector comprising: A. a portable data storage device cap, said portable storage device cap further comprising a second formed loop on a side of said portable storage device cap; B. said portable data storage device further comprising:
 1. a first surface area;
 2. a second surface area; and a first formed loop on the second surface area; C. a strand with a first end and a second end; D. said first end of said strand is secured to said first formed loop; and E. said second end of said strand is secured to said second formed loop such that said portable data storage device cap is coupled to said strand and said portable data storage device.
 2. The portable data storage device cap connector of claim 1 wherein said portable data storage device cap is made of plastic.
 3. The portable data storage device cap connector of claim 1 wherein said formed loops are eyelets.
 4. The portable data storage device cap connector of claim 1 wherein said formed loop on said portable data storage device is located a distance from a top of said portable data storage device such that said cap does not interfere with said portable data storage device while in use.
 5. The portable data storage device cap connector of claim 1 wherein said strand is a flexible material.
 6. A method for connecting a portable data storage device to a protective cap comprising the steps of: A. forming a first formed loop to a portable data storage device; B. forming a second formed loop to a portable data storage device cap; C. passing a first end of a strand through said first formed loop and securing said strand such that said portable data storage device is coupled to said strand; and D. passing a second end of said strand through said second formed loop and securing said strand such that said strand is coupled to said portable data storage device cap and said portable data storage device.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of forming said formed loops such that said formed loops are eyelets.
 8. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of forming said formed loop on said portable data storage device a distance from a top of said portable data storage device such that said cap does not interfere with said portable data storage device while in use. 